Nathan Cleverly will challenge Jurgen Braehmer for his World Boxing
Organisation light-heavyweight on April 2 at Wembley Arena, London, it was
confirmed yesterday after a long wait for the fight to be made.

Eye on the prize: Britain's Nathan Cleverly will challenge Jurgen Braehmer for the World Boxing Organisation light-heavyweight titlePhoto: GETTY IMAGES

Cleverly, 23, installed as the WBO interim champion after victories in his last two fights against Karo Murat and Nadjib Mohammedi, makes a step up in class against Braehmer, who, like Cleverly, is a former European champion.

Cleverly, on an unbeaten 21-fight streak will need to show all his class against Braehmer, 32, who has 29 knockouts in thirty-six professional fights, yet home advantage could be a major fillip.

"I'm delighted that I've been able to secure home advantage for Nathan," said Frank Warren, promoter of the mathematics graduate Cleverly.

"It wasn't cheap to get Braehmer over here, but it will be worth it because I really believe in Nathan and he has a big future ahead of him. It looked like the fight was going to go to purse bids, but we made a substantial offer the night before and it was enough to persuade Braehmer to say ‘yes’.

"Nathan has worked incredibly hard for this opportunity, and waited patiently to get his shot. He's getting this fight at exactly the right time, and it could be a massive moment in his career. Braehmer is a proven champion and belongs at elite level, while Cleverly is young and hungry. He could be the next big thing in the UK.”

Cleverly added: “I feel that this fight has come at the perfect time for me and I want to make a big statement. You only have to take a look at Braehmer's record to realise just how dangerous he will be.

"He's a genuine champion and a genuine talent, but I think I have enough in my armoury to beat him.”